Gor Mahia sack coach Leonardo Neiva

Gor Mahia have sacked head coach Leonardo Neiva after a poor start to the season that has seen the defending champions languishing in 12th place in this season's FKF Premier League table after six matches.

Assistant coaches Zedekiah Otieno and Michael Nam will oversee the club in the interim.

The club said it invoked a clause in the Brazilian's two-year contract to terminate his services. Neiva, 46 was appointed on July 1 to replace Johnathan McKinstry, whose contract had expired and opted to join the Gambian national team.

“The decision was made after the club management invoked a contractual clause leading to the end of the coach’s tenure immediately,” said part of the statement from the club.

“The club begins the search for a new head coach who embodies the values and the aspirations of the club. He will bring renewed energy and strategic insights to the team,” said the statement signed by Gor Mahia CEO Ray Oruo.

Neiva has been fired ahead of the Mashemeji Derby against AFC Leopards on November 24 when the league resumes after the international break.

The Brazilian coach has overseen 13 matches, winning only three matches, drawing the same number and losing seven.

He was in charge during Gor Mahia's exit in the Caf Champions League in the second preliminary round after a 6-0 aggregate defeat to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

In the FKF-PL, things haven’t been easy for Neiva, who was attacked by fans after their 2-1 loss to Nairobi City Stars on October 28, before being assaulted again after their 2-2 draw against Murang’a Seal on November 2  at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

He was also on the receiving end when K'Ogalo lost 2-0 to Bandari at the Ukunda Grounds in Kwale on Wednesday last week.

Neiva is a CAF A and UEFA Fifa Pro coaching license holder. He has previously coached Vipers SC (Uganda), Sudanese Giants El Merreikh and Yanga in Tanzania.